City Tree Policy

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City Tree Policy

City Ordinance 25 (16-33) Article II: Trees, Shrubs, & Plants

Maintaining a Viable Urban Forest

Under the authority of the Department of Public Works (DPW), the City of Sault Ste. Marie takes great pride in its urban forest. Recognized as a Tree City U.S.A. recipient and supported by multiple planting grants, the City emphasizes the health and sustainability of its trees.

  • Street Trees: Trees located within the public right-of-way.

  • City Trees: Trees located in parks or other city-owned properties outside the right-of-way.

Tree Removal & Planting Process

The City’s goal is to maintain a healthy and sustainable urban forest through regular inspection, maintenance, and preservation of healthy trees, and the removal of trees when necessary.

Tree Inspections

Residents who have concerns about street trees in the public right-of-way can request a tree inspection at no cost.

  • Call Customer Services at (906) 632-5700 to initiate an inspection.

  • A service ticket will be created, and DPW will conduct the inspection.

  • After evaluation, residents will be notified via phone or in writing with the determination.

  • If removal is approved, DPW will schedule the work.

Important: Only City employees or authorized contractors may trim or remove City trees unless special authorization is granted.

Street Tree Replacement

  • If a healthy street tree is removed at the request of an adjacent property owner, a replacement fee will apply.

  • Fees cover the cost of the tree and planting services and are deposited into a “Tree Fund” for future urban forestry projects.

  • Fee details are listed in the City’s current User Fee Schedule.

Removal of City Trees

The Engineering Department and DPW will remove street trees at no cost to homeowners under these conditions:

  • Tree is dead, dying, diseased, or unsafe.

  • Tree is a prohibited species, including:
    Poplar, Box Elder, Basswood, Willow, Soft Maple, Common Catalpa, Horse Chestnut, or Ailanthus glandulosa.

  • Tree interferes with sidewalks or streets.

  • Tree causes conflicts with utilities such as power, water, or sewer lines.

Intake Process

Tree removal requests typically come from:

  • Citizen reports

  • Construction or utility maintenance projects

  • Natural events (e.g., storms)

Trees posing immediate danger or those that are dead/dying are often removed directly by DPW. If specialized work or extensive removals are required beyond DPW’s capacity, the work is bid out to contractors. Utility companies may also remove trees during their maintenance activities.

All tree-related requests are logged and tracked via the City’s Fresh Service portal to ensure timely response and resolution.

If you have any questions or need to report a tree concern, please contact:

Customer Services
📞 (906) 632-5700

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